WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump led a solemn ceremony at the Pentagon on Thursday to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Joined by First Lady Melania Trump and top military leaders, Trump paid tribute to the 184 people killed at the Pentagon when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. The names of the victims were read aloud, each followed by the toll of a bell.
The ceremony, normally held outdoors at the Pentagon Memorial, was moved indoors to the building’s courtyard due to heightened security concerns following the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk the day before.
In his remarks, Trump announced that Kirk will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, praising him as a “giant of his generation.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reflected on his own memories of 9/11 as a college student preparing for military service. House Speaker Mike Johnson also addressed the event, calling for unity while acknowledging growing fears over political violence.
The commemoration came at a time of renewed national unease, balancing remembrance of America’s deadliest terror attack with concern over recent acts of political violence.
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